How can restaurants and bars put the fizz back into on-site alcohol sales?

06 Dec 2017 --- The New York City-based Beverage Marketing Corporation has published a new report claiming slow consumer traffic at on-premise locations, coupled with stagnancy in occasions for beverages is leading to flat total alcohol volumes in restaurants and bars this year.

According to the corporate consulting company’s recently released On-Premise Intelligence Report, which was jointly developed by Technomic, brand marketers and restaurant and bar businesses are challenged by finding new growth opportunities for adult alcoholic drink sales.

The on-premise channel is crucial to adult beverage brand development and sales success. The latest intelligence report provides on-premise industry pros with category and brand performance metrics, operator insights and projections for where the on-premise channel is headed.

“In beer, imports and craft are gaining share, propelled by Mexican brands and smaller craft labels. We are tracking mixed results from leading domestic table wine brands, while imported sparkling wine continues to find relevance at the bar.”

While volume growth is elusive, drinks remain an important aspect of going out for consumers, according to Donna Hood Crecca, associate principal at Technomic.

“Consumers prioritize adult beverages, with one-third overall and half of those aged 21 to 34 confirming that the drink offering influences their decision of where to go,” she said.

“Today, consumers have more choices, as venues ranging from sports stadiums to winery and brewery tasting rooms are in the consideration set, which raises the bar for traditional locations like restaurants. Improving and differentiating the drink experience is key to success.”

Capturing the moment and associating new occasions for alcoholic drinks could unlock potential sales growth, as evidenced in other food and drink categories.

FoodIngredientsFirst recently published a Special Report detailing how “moment do matter” for brands trying to tap into growth potential. Read more here.

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